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Dengue cases and deaths: Numbers up to now exceed all of last year’s
View(s):The number of dengue cases is on the rise, with a health official warning that it was out of control.
According to Dengue Control Unit Consultant Community Physician Dr. Prechila Samaraweera, 59,760 cases have been reported so far this year, compared to 55,150 for the whole of last year with 150 deaths, compared to 97 for the whole of 2016.
A household premise in Kalutara being fumigated. Pic by Sameera Weerasekera
She said that although there wasn’t a significant increase in the numbers in flood-affected areas, there was an overall increase islandwide.
Dr. Samaraweera said, that of the 90,000 sites inspected in seven districts, during dengue eradication programmes, 4,322 places were issued red notices and legal action would be taken against 741.
“Special dengue awareness and eradication programmes were carried out with the help of local government authorities in the Western Province and the Galle District on Friday and Saturday while similar programmes will be carried out on the 15th and 16th of this month in several other districts, she said.
She pointed out improper disposal of non-biodegradable garbage was contributing to the spread of dengue, and highlighted the need for proper recycling methods.